We can honestly say that pre-cooked sausage links have become a staple in our house. We always have some in our freezer for quick weeknight meals. Every time we see them on sale, we stock up. We really enjoy the chicken sausages that are combined with fruit and I can usually find chicken with apple, pineapple, bacon or maple.

So what can you do with these seemingly pre-done meals? Should you just heat and serve with sides? Sure, that’s one option. But why not take it to the next level? Here’s how I turn the chicken sausage from simple links to a rock star meal.

Ingredients:

8 cooked apple flavored chicken sausages – choose what sounds good to you, they come in a variety of flavors to include maple, pineapple, or bacon

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup apple juice

1 red bell pepper sliced

1 large apple cored and sliced – choose your favorite type

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

salt and pepper

Directions:

Slice sausage from end to end length wise and remove as much of the outer casing as possible. Slice the links into ½ inch thick discs. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is heated, add sausage. Cook sausage on each side for 2-3 minutes (or until each is caramelized around the edges) and then deglaze the pan with apple juice. Allow the juice to cook off for about 1 minute. Move sausages to a plate. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and place skillet back on the burner. Add the sliced peppers, onions and apples to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding in the garlic to the veggies. Finally, add the sausage back to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes allowing flavors to combine.